Catalog / Genesis
Genesis, the luxury vehicle division of South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Group, has rapidly established itself as a formidable player in the premium car market. The brand's journey began in 2004 when Hyundai introduced the Genesis name as a luxury sedan model. However, it wasn't until November 4, 2015, that Genesis was officially launched as a standalone luxury brand, marking a significant milestone in the Korean automotive industry.
The creation of Genesis was driven by Hyundai's ambition to compete directly with established luxury car manufacturers from Europe, Japan, and the United States. This bold move was inspired by the success of Toyota's Lexus brand and aimed to elevate the perception of Korean automobiles in the global market.
Interesting fact: The Genesis logo, featuring wings within a shield, symbolizes the brand's aspiration for creativity and innovation. The emblem's design is said to be inspired by the DNA of automotive design, representing the brand's commitment to engineering excellence and distinctive style.
Genesis made its debut with the G90 flagship sedan, which was unveiled in December 2015. This full-size luxury car set the tone for the brand's design language and technological offerings. Following the G90, Genesis rapidly expanded its lineup with the introduction of the G80 mid-size sedan and the G70 compact executive sedan, the latter of which garnered significant acclaim, winning several Car of the Year awards globally.
In 2020, Genesis made a strategic move by entering the lucrative luxury SUV market with the launch of the GV80. This was quickly followed by the introduction of the GV70, a compact luxury SUV, further diversifying the brand's portfolio and appealing to a broader range of luxury car buyers.
One of the most significant developments in Genesis' history came in 2021 when the brand announced its commitment to electrification. Genesis revealed plans to phase out internal combustion engines and become an all-electric vehicle brand by 2030. This bold strategy aligns with global trends towards sustainable mobility and positions Genesis at the forefront of the luxury electric vehicle market.
The brand's design philosophy, dubbed 'Athletic Elegance,' has been a key differentiator in the luxury car segment. Led by a team of renowned designers, including Luc Donckerwolke (former designer for Bentley, Lamborghini, and Audi), Genesis has created a distinctive visual identity characterized by bold lines, signature two-line lighting elements, and a sophisticated yet modern aesthetic.
Genesis has also made waves with its innovative approach to the customer experience. The brand introduced the 'Genesis at Home' service, which brings the car-buying process directly to customers' homes, including test drives and vehicle delivery. This customer-centric approach has helped Genesis build a loyal following and challenge the traditional luxury car buying experience.
As of 2024, Genesis continues to expand its global presence, with a growing dealer network in key markets such as North America, Europe, China, and Australia. The brand has consistently earned high marks for quality and customer satisfaction, often outranking more established luxury marques in various industry surveys.
Looking to the future, Genesis is poised to play a significant role in the luxury electric vehicle market. With plans for a full lineup of electric vehicles and a commitment to sustainable luxury, Genesis is writing a new chapter in automotive history, proving that luxury and innovation can come from unexpected places. The brand's journey from a bold idea to a respected player in the global luxury car market serves as a testament to the rapid evolution of the automotive industry and the rising influence of Korean manufacturing and design on the world stage.
The cost of Genesis cars varies widely, reflecting the brand's diverse range of luxury vehicles that cater to different segments of the premium market. As of 2024, prices for new Genesis cars typically start around €40,000 for entry-level models and can exceed €100,000 for top-of-the-line variants with all available options.
Several factors influence the price of a Genesis vehicle:
Here's a general overview of Genesis pricing in Europe (prices may vary by country):
1. Genesis G70 (compact luxury sedan): Starting from approximately €40,000 to €65,000.
2. Genesis G80 (mid-size luxury sedan): Ranging from about €55,000 to €85,000.
3. Genesis G90 (full-size luxury sedan): Priced from around €80,000 to over €120,000.
4. Genesis GV70 (compact luxury SUV): Starting from approximately €50,000 to €75,000.
5. Genesis GV80 (mid-size luxury SUV): Ranging from about €65,000 to €95,000.
6. Genesis Electrified models (e.g., Electrified G80, GV60): Generally priced from €65,000 to €85,000, depending on the model and specifications.
It's important to note that these prices can be influenced by local taxes, import duties, and available incentives, especially for electric models. Additionally, Genesis often positions its vehicles to offer competitive pricing compared to established European and Japanese luxury brands, providing a high level of equipment and features at each price point.
As of 2024, the most affordable car in the Genesis range is typically the G70, which serves as the entry point to Genesis ownership in the compact luxury sedan segment. In Europe, the base model of the Genesis G70 starts at approximately €40,000.
However, the final price of the G70 can vary based on several factors:
It's worth noting that while the G70 is the 'entry-level' Genesis, it still offers a high level of luxury and performance, competing directly with established compact luxury sedans from European and Japanese manufacturers. The pricing strategy of Genesis often positions the G70 to offer more features and equipment at a given price point compared to its competitors, reflecting the brand's value proposition in the luxury market.
Potential buyers should also be aware that Genesis frequently offers competitive lease deals and financing options, which can make the effective monthly cost of ownership more accessible. Additionally, Genesis' all-inclusive pricing strategy, which often bundles maintenance and concierge services, can provide additional value beyond the sticker price.
As of 2024, the most expensive Genesis model is typically the flagship G90 sedan in its highest trim level, fully loaded with options. In Europe, the top-spec Genesis G90 can reach prices of approximately €120,000 to €130,000, depending on the specific market and configuration.
The price of the most luxurious G90 is influenced by several premium features and options:
It's important to note that as Genesis expands its lineup, especially with the introduction of high-end electric vehicles, we may see even more premium and higher-priced models in the future. For instance, limited edition models or high-performance variants of existing models could potentially surpass the G90 in price.
The pricing of the top-tier Genesis models reflects the brand's ambition to compete directly with established ultra-luxury marques. While the G90 and other high-end Genesis models command premium prices, they often offer a compelling value proposition when compared feature-for-feature with competitors from brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Audi.
Additionally, Genesis' pricing strategy often includes a high level of standard equipment, meaning that even at these premium price points, there may be fewer optional extras required to achieve a fully-loaded specification compared to some European luxury competitors.